JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) Director Katie Blount announced her retirement after leading the agency since 2015. Her retirement will be effective June 30, 2026.

Blount led the agency through the establishment of the nationally recognized Two Mississippi Museums and supported efforts to adopt a new state flag.

She began her career at MDAH as a public relations coordinator in 1994. Blount is the agency’s seventh director since 1902 and only the second woman to hold the position.

Under her leadership, MDAH has strengthened relations with Tribal Partners through repatriation and begun work on several renovation or development projects at historic sites across the state, including the new Vicksburg Civil War Visitor Center, Historic Jefferson College near Natchez, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, the stabilization at Windsor Ruins, and the upcoming Margaret Ann Crigler Park in downtown Jackson.

Earlier this year, Blount was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for her commitment to inclusive storytelling.

“Mississippi’s history is the central arc of American history—from the Native American experience to cotton and slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, up to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond,” Blount said. “I’m extremely grateful I’ve had the opportunity to serve the people of this state and work alongside a staff whose passion to preserve history runs as deep as mine.”

Spence Flatgard, president of the MDAH Board of Trustees, said the board will begin the search for Blount’s successor immediately.